Cheap 2 channel iPod setup?

[toddo97]

I have a decent pair of monitors that I haven't found a use for yet. I'm thinking about putting them up in the bedroom to use with my 80 gb ipod for a cheap 2 channel setup. I'm looking for some sort of docking/amp solution that I can plug my speakers into. This seems like a pretty decent solution:http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MOIDECK
Anything better at this price range or not too much more? Thanks!

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddo97 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a decent pair of monitors that I haven't found a use for yet. I'm thinking about putting them up in the bedroom to use with my 80 gb ipod for a cheap 2 channel setup. I'm looking for some sort of docking/amp solution that I can plug my speakers into. This seems like a pretty decent solution:http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MOIDECK Anything better at this price range or not too much more? Thanks!

I went for a Vintage Nikko TRM210 Integrated Amp off eBay which I plug my iPod into and thence to my bookshelf speakers, add in a mini-jack to RCA connector, total cost about $60 with shipping. There are loads of Vintage amps out there and they can be found pretty cheaply.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hciman77 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I went for a Vintage Nikko TRM210 Integrated Amp off eBay which I plug my iPod into and thence to my bookshelf speakers, add in a mini-jack to RCA connector, total cost about $60 with shipping. There are loads of Vintage amps out there and they can be found pretty cheaply.

Also the amp section in this older units sound much better than what is available out there (the cheaper stuff).

 

[artizen65]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Adcom-GFA-535-2-...QQcmdZViewItem

Use the Headphone out of the IPod using a mini to RCA directly into the amp and you should be set. Pretty much the same as Hciman77's solution but you don't have a preamp section of the integrated involved. This is assuming that the IPod phono out has enough gain.

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by artizen65 /img/forum/go_quote.gif http://cgi.ebay.com/Adcom-GFA-535-2-...QQcmdZViewItem Use the Headphone out of the IPod using a mini to RCA directly into the amp and you should be set. Pretty much the same as Hciman77's solution but you don't have a preamp section of the integrated involved. This is assuming that the IPod phono out has enough gain.

Shouldnt be a problem, although the headphone out on the iPod is a mere 0.5V my 11wpc amp has enough oomph to drive my small JBLs to very high levels.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by artizen65 /img/forum/go_quote.gif http://cgi.ebay.com/Adcom-GFA-535-2-...QQcmdZViewItem Use the Headphone out of the IPod using a mini to RCA directly into the amp and you should be set. Pretty much the same as Hciman77's solution but you don't have a preamp section of the integrated involved. This is assuming that the IPod phono out has enough gain.

But a line out offers much better sound. Heck the OP could buy an iPod dock and use the connection on the back with the 1/8" to RCA's to connnect to the amp.

 

[artizen65]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif But a line out offers much better sound. Heck the OP could buy an iPod dock and use the connection on the back with the 1/8" to RCA's to connnect to the amp.

mrarroyo, I was thinking that the original poster might like volume control.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by artizen65 /img/forum/go_quote.gif mrarroyo, I was thinking that the original poster might like volume control.

True, but the volume pot in the receiver would provide that option.

 

[toddo97]

Thanks for all of the input! If it helps, my music is not ripped lossless (256 kbps vbr). Would a conventional amp still have a noticeable difference over the digital amp on the unit I was looking at? I liked it because it was an all in one amp/docking station that came w/ a remote, but I'll start looking into piecing together my own setup if that would make a big difference. Thanks again!

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddo97 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for all of the input! If it helps, my music is not ripped lossless (256 kbps vbr). Would a conventional amp still have a noticeable difference over the digital amp on the unit I was looking at? I liked it because it was an all in one amp/docking station that came w/ a remote, but I'll start looking into piecing together my own setup if that would make a big difference. Thanks again!

I would be less concerned about the amp and more about the speakers. You mentioned that you had a good pair of monitors. With the unit you are looking at you get yet another pair of speakers. What are you going to do with them ?

Having said that it generally gets good reviews. PS, its $129 on Amazon...

 

[artizen65]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif True, but the volume pot in the receiver would provide that option.

mrarroy, The link I posted earlier is strictly an amp not an integrated or receiver no pre involved.

 

[65535]

Get a cheap or used small amp and DIY Interconnect to RCA.

 

[melomaniac]

I'd get a high quality headphone amp that also has RCA out. there are quite a few out there - try audiogon.com for a small 'bedroom' size amp, from tiny tubed ones to powerful class T amps of the newest generation.